When should you defrost the frozen turkey, if you're using a frozen turkey, for Thanksgiving? I put mine in the fridge on Friday night. Is that too early? If people haven't yet, is it too late?
Defrosting the turkey?
Started by
Rachel Perlow
, Nov 21 2004 08:36 AM
1 reply to this topic
#2
Arthur Schwartz
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- participating member
- 24 posts
Posted 22 November 2004 - 12:58 PM
When should you defrost the frozen turkey, if you're using a frozen turkey, for Thanksgiving? I put mine in the fridge on Friday night. Is that too early? If people haven't yet, is it too late?
The rule of thumb is that you need 24 hours defrosting time in the refrigerator for every 5 pounds of turkey. So, unless you are cooking a 25 to 30 pound turkey, you could have held off defrosting until Saturday. It doesn't matter. Never defrost a turkey at room temperature, however. If you find yourself in a real bind, like you forgot to buy the turkey until the night before, you can defrost it in a sink full of cool -- not warm -- water. or under running water. Like that it will take about a half hour a pound. That translates to a minimum 3 hours for a measly 12-pounder.
Arthur Schwartz
The Food Maven
Author, New York City Food: An Opinionated History and More Than 100 Legendary Recipes
The Food Maven
Author, New York City Food: An Opinionated History and More Than 100 Legendary Recipes
